Review: Dark Days by Kate Ormand

The future world has been divided into sectors--each the same as the other. Surrounded by thick steel fences, there is no way in and no way out. Yet a cyborg army penetrates each sector, picking off its citizens one by one, until no one is left. Behind the sectors' thick walls, the citizens wait to die. Few will be chosen to survive what's coming; the rest will be left behind to suffer. A new world has been created, and its rulers are incredibly selective on who will become a citizen. They want only those with important roles in society to help create a more perfect future.

Sixteen-year-old Sia lives in one of the sectors as part of a family that is far too ordinary to be picked to live. According to the digital clock that towers high above her sector, she has only fifteen days to live. Sia has seen the reports and knows a horrific death is in store for her, but she is determined to make the most of her final days. Sia refuses to mourn her short life, instead promising herself that she'll stay strong, despite being suffocated by her depressed mother and her frightened best friend. Just when Sia feels more alone than ever, she meets Mace, a mysterious boy. There is something that draws Sia to him, despite his dangerousness, and together, they join a group of rebels and embark on an epic journey to destroy the new world and its machines, and to put an end to the slaughter of innocent people.

Review

Dark Days is a book that I wanted to read because of how differently it sounded from most of the dystopians on the market today. It's not often you see killer cyborgs in young adult fiction and I thought that was very bold of the author to attempt. One of the best parts about this story was the way the events unfolded. Were really thrown headfirst into things and we get to experience the breakdown of Sia's society alongside with her. I really thought that was cool and also helped move things along briskly. Another thing I really liked about the story was the way the cyborgs killed indiscriminately. Once you were caught by them you were done for. No hiding, not no amount of pleading with them would spare your life. The only way to survive was to bring them down before they could grab you. Anything after that and a painful death awaited you. Lastly, I really liked Sia's dad. He really tried his best to help Sia survive even if he was tight lipped about how he'd actually do it. I just sorta wish he had let her into the plot a bit sooner. It would've spared that Zone living in discomfort their final days if he did. Now even though I enjoyed most of the story, I did find a few things lacking which kept me from rating this book higher. First off, I really felt Sia was a bit obnoxious at times. She just seemed to be a bit of a brat and that made her a bit unlikable in my opinion.Secondly, I wish that we had seen a bit more from other sectors. Yes, we see the destruction on the news but after Sia's sector is wiped out who comes next?? Even just a glance of someone watching the news feeling hopeful would've been a powerful image to behold. It would make them surviving that more meaningful. Lastly, I really didn't like the romance. It was way too insta love for my liking. Plus what about Finn?? I feel like they only included him to give the main characters a potential love triangle in future books. He could've remained a friend but they specifically mention him having a crush on her which means that he will play some sort of significant part in Sia's romantic future.

Final Thoughts

Dark Days might not have been exactly the book I set out to read but it was still very enjoyable nonetheless. I am certainly curious how the Author will move on with the story after that conclusion as it did really feel complete. With that being said, I'll be rating Dark Days by Kate Ormand ★★★★.

*Copy reviewed provided by Edelweiss All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any which way for providing them. .

About the Author

KATE ORMAND is a YA writer represented by Isabel Atherton at Creative Authors Ltd. She lives in the UK with her family, her partner, and a cocker spaniel called Freddie. She recently graduated from university with a first class BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art Painting. It was during this course that Kate discovered her love of reading YA books, prompting her to try a new creative angle and experiment with writing. Kate is also a member of an online group of published writers and illustrators called Author Allsorts. And she writes children’s picture books under the name Kate Louise.

Comments

Great review...I'm pretty much done with this type of post-apocalyptic fare, but I'm glad you found this one enjoyable for the most part. Sia does sound a bit annoying, but the cyborg aspect is definitely new.

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